Portchester Library

Community

Portchester has its own library, which is run by Hampshire County Council's library service. It is a small community library but provides a valued service to residents of all ages. The library is located in the village centre and is within walking distance for most of the community.

The library stocks a range of fiction and non-fiction books for adults and children, including new releases, popular authors, classics and reference material. The children's section caters for readers from picture books through to young adult fiction and is well used by families, particularly during school holidays and for after-school visits. The library also stocks audiobooks, large-print books for those with visual impairments, newspapers and magazines.

Modern libraries offer much more than just book lending. Portchester Library provides free public access to computers and the internet, which is important for residents who do not have broadband at home or who need to use online services such as Universal Credit, council tax accounts or job applications. Free Wi-Fi is available for those bringing their own devices. Printing and photocopying services are offered for a small charge.

The library hosts regular events and activities, including story time sessions for pre-school children, reading groups for adults, author visits, craft activities during school holidays and other community events. These vary throughout the year and are publicised on the Hampshire Library Service website and on notice boards in the library. The Rhyme Time and Story Time sessions are particularly popular with parents and young children and provide a free, sociable activity in the village.

Borrowing books is free with a library card, which can be obtained by anyone living, working or studying in Hampshire. Books can be borrowed for three weeks and renewed online, by phone or in person. If the book you want is not in stock at Portchester, it can usually be requested from another Hampshire library and delivered to Portchester for collection. The online catalogue allows you to search the entire Hampshire library stock, place reservations and manage your account from home.

E-books and digital audiobooks are also available through the Hampshire Library Service, using the BorrowBox and Libby apps. These can be downloaded to a phone, tablet or e-reader and are included in a standard library membership at no extra cost. This is a useful service for those who prefer digital reading or who want access to a book immediately without waiting for a physical copy.

The library also serves as an informal community space where people come to read the newspapers, study, work quietly on a laptop or simply sit in a warm, welcoming environment. For older residents, the library provides social contact and a reason to leave the house. For students, it offers a quiet place to revise. For job seekers, it provides free internet access and a space to prepare applications.

Library opening hours are limited compared with larger branches, typically opening on certain days of the week rather than every day. Checking the current hours on the Hampshire Library Service website before visiting is advisable, as they can change.